bob

• Nom avec plusieurs sens, notamment une ancienne unité monétaire britannique, une coupe de cheveux courte, un traîneau de course, un poids suspendu, un flotteur de pêche, une queue d'animal écourtée ou un mouvement de tête rapide.

A noun with multiple meanings, including a former British monetary unit, a short hairstyle, a racing sled, a hanging weight, a fishing float, a shortened animal tail, or a quick nod of the head.

1. Former British coinB2informalbritish

   A historical monetary unit in Great Britain, often referring to a shilling.

   Shilling (monnaie britannique)

   • That old book cost me just a few bob.
   • He earned a tidy sum of ten bob for his work.
   • In the old days, a pint of beer was only a bob.

   Synonymesshilling

2. Short haircutA2formal

   A hairstyle for women and children where the hair is cut short, typically around the chin or shorter.

   Coupe au carré

   • She decided to get a bob for the summer.
   • The classic bob haircut never goes out of style.
   • Her new bob made her look chic and modern.

3. Racing sledB1formalsport

   A long sled used for racing, designed for two or more people, with a steering mechanism.

   Bobsleigh

   • The team practiced on the bob every afternoon.
   • He steered the bob expertly down the icy track.
   • The bob reached incredible speeds during the competition.

   Synonymesbobsledbobsleigh

4. Hanging weightB2formaltechnical

   A weight that hangs from a string, often a metal ball, used in devices like pendulums or plumb lines.

   masse pendulaire

   • The bob of the pendulum swung steadily back and forth.
   • He attached a metal bob to the fishing line.
   • The plumb bob hung perfectly vertical.

   Synonymesplumbplummetsinkerweight

5. Fishing floatB1informalsport

   A small, buoyant object, often made of cork, attached to a fishing line to indicate when a fish bites.

   flotteur de pêche

   • The bob bobbed on the water's surface.
   • He watched the bob closely for any movement.
   • A cork bob is perfect for still-water fishing.

   Synonymesbobbercorkfloat

6. B2formal

   A short or shortened tail of certain animals, such as a horse or dog.

   Queue écourtée

   • The horse had a natural bob tail.
   • Some dog breeds are known for their bob tails.
   • The cat's bob was barely visible under its fur.

   Synonymesbobtaildockscut

7. Quick head movementB1formal

   A short, abrupt inclination of the head, often as a gesture of acknowledgment or greeting.

   hochement de tête

   • He gave a quick bob of his head in greeting.
   • She acknowledged him with a slight bob.
   • The performer took a bow with a bob of his head.

   Synonymesbowdipinclinationnod

• Verbe désignant un mouvement rapide de haut en bas, souvent léger ou rebondissant.

A verb used to indicate a quick, up-and-down movement, often in a buoyant or bouncing manner.

1. Move up and downA2formal

   To move quickly up and down or to and fro, often in a buoyant or rhythmic manner.

   Bondir, tanguer, danser sur l'eau

   • The cork bobbed on the surface of the water.
   • She bobbed her head in time with the music.
   • The small boat bobbed gently in the harbor.

   Synonymesbouncejouncenodoscillatetosswobble

2. Ride a bobsledB2formal

   To ride or steer a bobsled, a vehicle used for racing down an ice track.

   faire du bobsleigh

   • The team bobbed down the track at incredible speed.
   • He learned to bob professionally during the winter games.
   • They bobbed along the icy course with great skill.

   Synonymesbobsledbobsleigh

3. Shorten an animal's tailB2formal

   To cut or dock the tail of an animal, typically for cosmetic or practical reasons.

   écourter la queue

   • The farmer bobbed the horse's tail for the show.
   • Some breeds of dogs have their tails bobbed shortly after birth.
   • The veterinarian carefully bobbed the puppy's tail.

   Synonymesclipcropcutdockloptrim

4. Make a curtsyB1formal

   To perform a curtsy, a gesture of respect made by bending the knees, typically by women or girls.

   Faire une révérence

   • The young girl bobbed politely before the queen.
   • She bobbed as a sign of respect to the elder.
   • In the old days, women would bob when greeting royalty.

   Synonymescurtsydip

5. Cut hair in a bob styleA2informal

   To cut hair so that it hangs evenly around the head, typically at chin length.

   couper en carré

   • She decided to bob her long hair for a fresh look.
   • The stylist bobbed her hair to just below her ears.
   • He bobbed his hair in a classic, sleek style.

Variantes phrasalbob aroundbob underbob up